Retention of generation assets supports supply needs. Favorable gas supply and storage position. Expectations for recovery of costs. Rate case uncertainty. Increasing emphasis on higher-risk, nonregulated operations. Weak electric utility service territory. Underperforming gas utility. The ratings for DTE Energy Co. and its affiliates remain pressured pending the resolution of several regulatory issues in 2004. An interim rate order in subsidiary Detroit Edison Co.'s rate proceeding has provided some clarity, but uncertainty over the final level of recovery is still reflected in the negative outlook on the DTE Energy companies. In addition, DTE Energy has requested regulatory approval for an increase in distribution and service charges at its Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. (MichCon) unit. Standard&Poor's is concerned that
